As dedicated wedding planners, we love learning about the cultures and traditions that influence weddings around the world. This time around we look at a comparison of American and Spanish weddings, two amazing experiences that not only reflect their cultural heritage but also celebrate it.
American weddings are recognized for their flexibility and adaptability, with many couples opting for relaxed civil ceremonies or traditional church nuptials. Each event has its own unique charms that make the big day distinct for the newlyweds.
Conversely, Spanish weddings, set against the backdrop of majestic castles, pristine beaches, and other illustrious venues, exude an ambiance of warmth and elegance, with a heavy emphasis on the traditional elements that are prevalent, whether it is a glamorous daytime wedding or a celebration that includes night long partying.
Delving into the wedding traditions of these two cultures, we immerse ourselves in a captivating realm of rituals, attire, cuisine, and melodies that stand out as the cornerstones of any festivity.
Our objective transcends merely analyzing these weddings from a planner's viewpoint; it extends to enhancing our expertise by deepening our grasp of the cultural variances that hallmark these two unique matrimonial customs.
Now, with you, we enter the world of American and Spanish weddings, eager to discover the miracles that shape these unique events.
spanish wedding vs american wedding
Traditional Spanish Weddings
Spain, a country steeped in history and strongly ingrained family values, makes an ideal location for weddings that celebrate love and harmony.
The unusual customs in Spain begin even before the wedding day, with "La Pedida," a particular ceremonial that represents the newlyweds' family meeting to discuss the impending marriage.
This practice, which translates as "Ask for a hand," has strong origins in family approval and support. It is typically held in the respective parents' home in the bride's hometown or in a restaurant, creating an intimate setting in which families may get to know one another.
So, dear readers, we have now entered the realm of "La Pedida," a magnificent ceremony that marks the start of a romantic adventure.
But that is only the beginning; we are going to proceed with all of the oddities and charms that differentiate Spanish weddings.
No Standard Bridesmaids or Best Men, but Padrinos
Things are a little different at Spanish weddings, but it all adds to the whole experience. Imagine there are no traditional bridesmaids or best men, but rather padrinos.
These padrinos play an important role because they not only oversee specific aspects of the wedding ceremony but also act as advisers and supporters to the bride and groom throughout their marriage.
It is crucial to note that these padrinos are chosen by the bride and groom, and are frequently close family members such as aunts and uncles.
In a traditional Christian ceremony, however, there is no obligation for padrinos, unless a family member of the couple expresses a desire for their spiritual counseling.
Spanish Wedding Attire
A Spanish wedding is a wonderful masterpiece of tradition and flair, particularly in terms of wedding apparel.
Although whitw has always been the dominating color of wedding dresses, today's Spanish brides frequently add a modern twist to their color palette, blending white with other tones that reflect their unique style.
It is interesting to note that many Spanish brides opt for a mantilla, an elaborate lace veil, which often has deep roots in family traditions. These lovely embellishments are frequently passed down through generations of Spanish ladies, bringing sentimental meaning to the bridal appearance.
Certain past customs provide a unique touch to the groom's special day. At some Spanish weddings, the groom's close friend may take off his tie, cut it into pieces, and sell it to the guests.
This is not only humorous, but it also helps to raise more funds for the newlyweds, resulting in a shared moment of joy and support.
Wedding Rings
Did you ever hear that when a Spanish woman is engaged, she traditionally wears the engagement ring on her left hand?
This ring reflects both the commitment time and her status as engaged. When a couple exchanges vows on their wedding day, an altogether new custom emerges.
On the Spanish wedding day, when the couple says vows, the woman places the wedding band on her right hand's ring finger rather than her left, as is customary in most other countries.
The wedding bands mark the end of the engagement phase and the beginning of married life.
The Centrepiece Table
Expect a unique dynamic at a Spanish wedding celebration that combines tradition and entertainment.
The head table seats just six people, including newlyweds and their parents, providing an intimate setting for bonding and emotional moments.
So, if you're a guest at your first Spanish wedding, you should know that you won't have to deal with lengthy monologues.
Las Arras Matrimoniales (Wedding Coins)
Las Arras Matrimoniales, sometimes known as ''wedding coins,'' are a practice at Catholic weddings in Spain.
The padrinos tend to give them to the bride and groom as a special gift, with 13 in total to represent Jesus and his twelve apostles.
Twelve of them are gold, and one is platinum. The coins are presented to the newlyweds during the wedding ceremony and represent good fortune and financial prosperity for the married couple.
Weddings in the United States
Welcome to the magical world of weddings in the United States, where love reigns supreme amid a medley of singular traditions and customs.
American wedding celebrations differ significantly from Spanish wedding traditions. One significant distinction is the predilection for daytime weddings in the United States, which adds a romantic glow to the festivities, as opposed to the customary night wedding in Spain.
In the vibrant setting of American day weddings, the reception is the heart of the celebration, where the party comes to life with exquisite main courses, marking the high point of the day's festivities.
The cocktail hour, a vibrant and delightful prelude to the reception, allows guests to mingle, sip, and savor before the main festivities begin.
From heart-touching moments of family members walking down the aisle to joyous traditions like tossing the bouquet, each element weaves into the tapestry of love and togetherness.
As passionate wedding planners, our journey together will reveal all of that and much more as we dive into American ceremonies.
In the upcoming exploration, we'll look at the various aspects of US wedding traditions and unearth the nuances that make them distinctly American.
A Bridal Procession
In classic weddings in the United States, the ceremony begins with a bridal procession.
The officiant leads the way, followed by the wedding party, which includes the flower girl and ring bearers preceding the couple and their parents.
Traditionally, the bride's father escorts her to the altar, while in modern ceremonies, both parents could share this role.
The ritual originated in England during the royal wedding of Queen Victoria's oldest child, and it represents the bride's passage from her father's protection to her husband's care.
Dress Code
Long before they meet their love, many Spanish women as well as American ladies fantasize about their wedding, usually in a white gown.
The white wedding dress, or dress, remains one of America's most beloved traditions. Almost every American bride wears it throughout the wedding ceremony and/or reception.
But, frequently after a long night, brides in America surprise their guests and change the long wedding look into something shorter and more comfortable. At some point during the wedding party, the bride slips out of their fairy-tale long gown and slips into an elegant short dress.
The groom typically wears a classic tuxedo for formal weddings, whereas an attractive-colored suit is preferred for less formal occasions.
Personalizing the dress code allows the groom to express his own style, resulting in a one-of-a-kind fashion statement on his wedding day.
Wedding Favors and Dance
In Spain, it is customary for the bride and groom to walk around the tables bearing bags full of gifts for their guests.
New spouses choose their gifts carefully; men often receive cigarettes, while ladies receive something else, such as a floral arrangement or another item that they consider appealing.
Following an exquisite big meal, the wedding party goes on an endless circle of happiness and dancing. In the Spanish wedding tradition, the newlyweds' first dance is a highly emotional and frequently well-planned happening.
The bride's bouquet toss carries its own symbolic significance. Newlyweds traditionally complete their dance with the bride tossing her bouquet, and the lucky lady who catches it is frequently assumed to be the next to say the fateful yes.
Tossing Rice and Money Dancing
Throwing rice and dancing with money are traditional customs in many traditions, including Spanish ones. Tossing rice signifies fertility, abundance, and happiness for the groom and bride.
Guests usually throw rice at the newlyweds after the religious ceremony to wish them prosperity and joy in their marriage.
The money dance is a custom in which guests contribute money to the newlyweds while dancing. The money raised is frequently used to fund wedding expenditures or to begin a new couple's life together.
Orange Blossoms
What is the most common symbolism associated with orange flowers in Spanish wedding ceremonies?
Orange blossoms are highly valued in most weddings in Spain, expressing love, purity, and joy. These blooms from orange trees provide a fresh dimension to the Spanish wedding scene.
They commonly decorate bouquets and even wedding gowns to underline the significance of the beginning of life together.
These flowers are also used to decorate for example wedding invitation and interior, adding a touch of freshness, purity, and beauty to every aspect of the wedding ceremony and reception.
Parents Dances
In the heart of American weddings, aside from the wonderful first dance of the bride and groom, there is another particular moment: dancing with the parents in front of all the guests.
The bride typically dances with her father first, followed by the groom and his mother. These dances represent the parents' love and support for their children as they begin their new lives as a married couple.
The emotional significance of this tradition makes it a cherished and memorable part of the wedding ceremony.
Tossing the Garter
A garter is a part of women's underwear that is worn around the thighs. That ribbon or band may include decorative components such as laces, bows, and others and is typically part of the entire traditional wedding attire.
And now the fun begins. The groom, usually with a smile from ear to ear, accepts the task and takes off the garter. And then, he casts that little spell among all the dudes present at the wedding reception.
If one of the groom's close friends or family members catches the garter, he is considered the next lucky person to say the fateful yes and exchange vows.
Rituals of Choice
In the United States, the diversity of the population makes weddings a unique experience.
Many people maintain cultural and religious practices from previous generations, often incorporating them into more "traditional" American weddings.
In many religious weddings, the ritual includes a candle-lighting ceremony, where the newlyweds together light a candle of unity, symbolizing their future together.
Other couples may choose a tying ritual, using rope or silk to symbolize their literal bonding in marriage. Sometimes, they pass a glass of wine between them, signifying that they now share the cup of life with each other.
One of the charming customs in the United States of America is throwing rose petals at the bride and groom. This act, often performed during a church exit or a civil ceremony, symbolizes prosperity, happiness, and fertility in their life together.
The Essence of American and Spanish Weddings
Immersed in the wonderful world of Spanish and American weddings, we discovered a complex tapestry of traditions that beautifully illustrate the essence of each culture.
Spanish wedding traditions, with their vibrant and heartfelt customs, from the symbolic "La Pedida" to the festive groom's tie tradition, create an atmosphere of warmth and familial bond.
The bride and groom, supported by the bride's family, the groom's close friends, and other guests, experience a celebration deeply rooted in Spanish culture, where big gatherings underscore the strength of relationships and community.
Attending a Spanish wedding offers a unique glimpse into customs that cherish the couple's relationship, like the meaningful exchange of arras or the lively money dance, enveloping everyone in a spirit of unity and joy.
On the other side, American weddings celebrate individuality and the coming together of lives with equally touching but distinct traditions. The absence of padrinos and the inclusion of bridesmaids, the bridal procession, and heartfelt parent dances, all paint a picture of joy and unity.
To complete our journey, we are reminded that, regardless of the setting, whether in America's lively metropolis or Spain's magnificent landscapes, the true essence of every wedding is shared happiness and an eternal devotion to love and unity.
Weddings, either under the Spanish sun or the American stars, are a universal language of affection that celebrates each bride and groom's individual tale.
